Before installing new
Piston rings, check the ring end gaps. Lay out the piston/connecting rod assemblies and new ring sets to match them with the corresponding piston and cylinder during end gap measurement and engine assembly. Insert the top ring into the first cylinder, ensuring it is square with the cylinder walls by pushing it in with the top of the piston, positioning it near the bottom of the cylinder. To measure the end gap, use feeler gauges between the ends of the ring until the correct gauge is found, ensuring the ring is square in the cylinder bore. The feeler gauge should slide between the ring ends with slight drag; compare this measurement to the specifications. If the gap is too small, it must be enlarged to prevent the ring ends from contacting each other during operation, which can cause serious engine damage. Carefully file the ring ends from the outside in to increase the end gap. Excess end gap is not critical unless it exceeds 0.040-inch, so double-check the rings for correctness. Repeat this process for each ring in the first cylinder and the remaining cylinders, keeping rings, pistons, and cylinders matched. Once the end gaps are checked and corrected, install the rings on the pistons, starting with the oil control ring, which consists of three components. Insert the spacer/expander into the groove, ensuring any anti-rotation tang is in place, then install the lower side rail without using a piston ring installation tool to avoid damage. Place one end of the side rail into the groove and slide it into place with a finger. Install the upper side rail similarly and check that both side rails turn smoothly in the groove. Next, install the middle ring, ensuring the identification mark faces up, and use a piston ring installation tool to slide it into the middle groove without expanding it excessively. Finally, install the top ring in the same manner, ensuring the mark is facing up, and repeat the procedure for the remaining pistons and rings.